“I’m back now. It ain’t an injury no more,” said Peters, who signed with Maryland in November. “I’m like 97 percent. Another week before I’m back.”

In the aftermath of his surgery, Peters went to physical therapy twice a week and worked out separately every other day. He’s maintained his stamina through consistent treadmill work, and he’s focused recently on “a lot of shoulder stuff” in the weight room.

A consensus four-star prospect, Peters was told by Maryland coaches after his surgery to “take it slow.” To an extent, he followed those instructions. But watching his teammates from Suitland’s bench served as motivation for Peters to power through his rehabilitation. The ultimate goal was to compete for the starting point guard job as a freshman at Maryland.

Peters has sensed that Maryland fans are taking a “wait and see” approach when it comes to his college readiness coming off shoulder surgery. Peters’ plan all along has been to “come in and be ready” starting Sunday, when he moves into his dorm and begins spring/summer classes and informal workouts.

“I’m going to play hard every night, play defense and give my all every night.”

George McClure saw Roddy Peters in an open gym before his sophomore season and knew the wiry point guard was a Division I player. Damon Handon had similar thoughts after watching Peters dominate Prince George’s County High School competition throughout his junior year.

Maryland, which struggled to find the answer at point guard this season, will enter 2013-14 with a new starter at the position after the announcement that incumbent Pe’Shon Howard is transferring to another school for his senior year.